As the global energy sector balances production demands with the need to decarbonise, sustainable offshore operations have become increasingly important. While much focus is on reducing rig emissions and electrifying platforms, drilling waste management is emerging as a key way to lower emissions worldwide.
Every offshore well generates large amounts of waste such as drill cuttings and slops. Traditionally, this waste is shipped to shore for treatment. Although compliant, this approach uses a lot of energy, produces significant carbon emissions, and carries operational risks. Each vessel trip and skip lift adds to emissions and safety concerns. As a result, the industry is searching for better ways to handle drilling waste. Increasingly, waste is viewed not as a costly byproduct but as a chance to improve sustainability.
TWMA leads this change with more than 25 years of experience in transforming drilling waste management. Its international growth is driven by increasing recognition from operators, regulators, and governments that waste management is a critical part of environmental performance.
A core technology enabling this shift is TWMA’s RotoMill®. The system treats drilling waste at the source and recovers oil, water, and solids for reuse or safe disposal. By eliminating the need to transport untreated waste to shore, it cuts logistics-related emissions by up to 90%. With over 100,000 metric tons of drill cuttings processed annually, TWMA’s approach is both scalable and adaptable across global markets.
This adaptability is key to TWMA’s international expansion. The company has entered the Middle East, West Africa, the Americas, and other regions, tailoring its systems to meet diverse environmental regulations and operational goals. Whether supporting drilling in remote locations or servicing large industrial hubs, TWMA’s technologies help operators reduce costs and emissions simultaneously.
One prime example is TWMA’s projects in Abu Dhabi. There, the company deployed its RotoMill in a pioneering at-source drilling waste solution. To meet zero discharge rules and avoid waste transport, TWMA treated all waste directly at source. The results were impressive. The project recovered more than 420,00 bbls of base oil worth $65 million, diverted over 500,000 metric tons of solids from landfill, and treated more than 1.3m bbl’s of slop. Complete with 6.5 million man hours and no lost time incidents, these projects have set a new standard for sustainable offshore waste management.
Innovation remains central to TWMA’s global success. In 2021, the company restructured its research and development team, bringing engineering and automation expertise in-house. This led to the RX Series, the next generation of RotoMill technology. The RX1, launched in 2023, introduced enhanced remote accessibility and with the support of AI, a new level of predictive maintenance. RX2, completed in 2025, will be fully electric and emission free further enhancing the value proposition of the technology.
To meet growing demand, TWMA has expanded its services to onshore markets. The upcoming RX3 and RX4 units will be deployed in large-scale land-based treatment projects, in the GCC region. This expansion highlights TWMA’s ability to serve both offshore and onshore sectors.
TWMA’s success is also strengthened by investments in automation and digitalisation. Its XLink platform allows operators to track emissions reductions, monitor equipment performance, and verify sustainability gains in real time. This transparency supports environmental, social, and governance compliance demanded by investors and regulators around the world.
As climate targets tighten and ESG scrutiny grows, drilling waste management is no longer optional. It is essential. With the offshore waste management sector projected to grow by 6% annually over the next decade, demand for sustainable, integrated solutions is rising rapidly.
By focusing on innovation, adapting systems to local needs, and delivering proven environmental benefits, TWMA shows that growth and responsibility can go hand in hand. As operators globally seek ways to reduce impact without sacrificing productivity, greener waste solutions have become a global necessity.
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